Test Taking Strategies - After the Test

Guest Author - Susan D. Bates

Following a test, it is important to reflect on it to prepare effectively for future tests. Whether you will need to understand the information for future tests, similar courses, or just for general knowledge, reviewing will help you retain more knowledge and perform better on future tests.

Strategies for Test Follow Up

Research Information You Didnít Know
Immediately after the test, write down the questions you found difficult. Then search in your textbook or class notes for the correct responses. This is even more important if you may be tested on similar information later in your current or during future courses.

Analyze Difficult Formats
Review any question formats that you found difficult during the test. Research test-taking strategies for the particular type of question format to help you with future tests.

Being familiar with the test style of your professor can help you prepare for future tests within your current course and future courses taught by the same professor. Even if you will not have any more tests with the same professor, it is important to review question formats that you had difficulty with during the test because you are likely to encounter a similar format during a future course.

Review Your Answers
Some professors will return students' tests back to them during class time for review. If your professor does not return a copy of your test, ask if you can review it. Some professors who do not return tests may allow you to look it over during their office hours.

If you are given an opportunity to see your graded test, review your answers to discover questions you did not answer correctly, questions you mistakenly thought you knew the answers to, and questions for which you made a lucky guess. Use this information to help you prepare for future tests.

Ask Questions
Meet with your professors during their office hours to discuss any questions or content you did not understand. This will help you understand the material for the course and similar courses. It will also help you to prepare for future tests. In addition, your professor will also appreciate your commitment to learning the material.

There is a lot of beneficial information that can be gathered following a test. Use the strategies above after your tests to help deepen your understanding of the course material and improve your test scores.